Embark on an incredible adventure as we transit through the Panama Canal. Travel from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean and experience firsthand the extremely impressive engineering effort required to create this modern wonder of the world.
- Full transit through the Panama Canal
- A visit to the Embera Quera Indegenous Community
- Meet with local artisans and folkloric dancers
- El Macho Waterfall
- Experience authentic Panamanian cuisine
DAY 1: FLY TO MIAMI
Fly to Miami in the evening and enjoy the evening before tomorrow's journey to Panama.
DAY 2: WELCOME TO PANAMA!
Travel to Panama and get to know your fellow travelers at a delicious welcome dinner. D
DAY 3: CITY TOURS & MIRAFLORES LOCKS
Spend the day visiting the ancient ruins of the “Old Panama” in the “Casco Antiguo” or Old Quarter. After lunch, visit the Miraflores Locks visitor center which includes a museum and lookout point to view the ships passing through the chambers. B, L, D
DAY 4: PANAMA CANAL TRANSIT
Transit through the Panama Canal today and transfer from the Pacific Ocean side to the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, marvel at the Bay of Panama and Panama’s impressive skyline before we pass underneath the Bridge of the Americas. Next, we travel through both the Pedro Miguel Locks and the Miraflores Locks before entering Gatun Lake where we pass by the Smithsonian Research Station. B, L, D
DAY 5: EL VALLE DE ANTON EXPEDITION
Travel to the province of Cocle. El Valle de Anton is a picturesque town set in the crater of an extinct volcano. Browse through fresh locally grown fruits and indigenous crafts during our first stop at the scenic local market. We’ll also visit El Macho waterfall with a water drop of 230 feet, the largest in the region; and see the pre-Columbian petroglyphs. We’ll even have time to take a dip in the natural pools! We finish off our day today by visiting El Nispero Zoo, home to many exotic species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. B, L, D
DAY 6: CHITRE
This morning we will enjoy a relaxing morning at our beautiful resort on Playa Bonita. After lunch, we will head towards the quaint town of Chitre, capital of the Herrera province. Along the way we will marvel at the colonial charm of the area and how well it blends with the agricultural ambience. Our hotel for the night was inspired by the colonial architecture of Azuero and all the elements of the pre-Columbian cultures of the region. B, L, D
DAY 7: BEST OF AZUERO/PANAMANIAN CRAFTS
Today we leave Panama City and head towards the Herrera Province. Here we’ll observe how the salt is extracted from the Pacific Ocean using the same technique the indigenous invented long before the Spanish arrived in the Americas. Next, we’ll visit the village of La Arena and learn about traditional pottery making followed by a visit to a sugar cane mill where we’ll sample the local sugar cane juice called “Guarapo”. Afterwards, we’ll learn about the local bread, called “Pan de Arena”, and its unique taste before enjoying a traditional Panamanian lunch in a local restaurant. Now it’s time to marvel in the detailed handcrafting of the Pollera, one of the most beautiful traditional costumes in the world! We even have the unique experience of meeting a group of ladies devoted to the traditional dress of Panamanian women! Music and Dance are a huge piece of the culture here, to experience it ourselves, local artisans will show us the drums used in traditional music and masks used for folkloric dances. B, L, D
DAY 8: EMBERA QUERA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY
Travel to the end of the Gatun River with a 30-minute ride in a motorized canoe to visit the Embera Quera Indigenous Community. Together, learn about the lifestyle, food, and culture of the Emberas. We will even have the opportunity to see a traditional dance with music. Enjoy a traditional lunch and shop the homemade crafts made by the residents. B, L, D
DAY 9: ANTWERP/COUNTRYSIDE
Say farewell this morning in Panama City and head home with treasured memories. B
ACCOMODATIONS:
Night 1: Courtyard by Marriot Miami Airport West/Doral
Nights 2-3: AC Hotel Panama
Nights 4-5: Westin Playa Bonita
Night 6: Hotel Cubita, Chitre
Nights 7-8: Westin Playa Bonita
Dates:
- Departure Date: February 14, 2024
- Return Date: February 22, 2024
Pricing:
- Double: $4,997
- Single: $5,647
Walking Distance:
Travelers should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved. Those who have difficulty walking may not want to take this trip or should discuss their personal situation with their doctor before deciding. You should be able to walk at a steady pace for a mile at a time and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day.
Average Temps:
Panama City – high of 89°, low of 76°
Chitre – high of 80°, low of 75°
Currency:
US Dollar
Time Zone:
Eastern Time Zone
Additional Information:
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
Dress on tour is casual. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, visors, and comfortable walking shoes will add to your enjoyment of this tour.
Identification:
Passport required to travel.
Luggage:
Orange luggage tags are provided and are to be placed on your “checked luggage” (large bag). You do not need a tag for your carry-on bag, for which you will be responsible for taking on and off the coach. There is limited space in the cabin of the coach, so unless you require your carry-on bag while traveling, we will stow it in the luggage compartment.
Booking Information:
- Booking requires a valid passport
- $250 per person deposit required
- Includes airfare from St. Louis or Kansas City (call for other gateway cities)
Terms and Conditions:
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.
